Weston West Virginia

We managed the DC traffic this morning well and arrived in Weston early afternoon. It rained most of the way, and then when we entered WV there were thunder showers. Stopped by the Glass Museum and got a few pics, the museum however was closed. Warmed up with a cup of coffee and pie at Second and Chance Cafe, a neat little place simple but high tech, a real surprise - even get a deal if you are a fan on Facebook - thought that was a good PR move.

By accident we discovered the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (no I am not being politically incorrect!) - an amazing museum that documents the history of this institution from 1885 through its closure in 1994. It is a true time capsule and its docents are friendly and well informed. This experience helps one to put in perspective just how far we have come in our care of the mentally ill,  handicapped, and elderly as well as those with TB, HIV and post-traumatic stress disorder. It was a complete medical facility on 650 acres, desired to address the whole person. Dr. Kirkbroad believed that the cure of mental illness was fresh air, sunlight, and activity - a good beginning to finding a cure, however the journey through shock therapy, and lobotomies that followed shows the dark side of the early years. Weston developed as a community around the Asylum, people moved there for work and at one time the population was 9000, it  is now around 4000. The Asylum housed at the high census 2600 in 965 rooms. The patients therapy was work: they cooked, cleaned, did laundry, worked in the gardens, and the local coal mine. Hired staff were medical, office and supervisory. The Asylum has been featured on "Ghost Busters" and many articles have been written about it. It is the second largest limestone building in the world, the Kremlin is number one!  It was built by German and Irish immigrant stone masons.

The  impact of this visit hasn't yet registered with me, but it was very powerful and as I digest it I think in time it will find its way into my writing. The day ended with a great steak and salad dinner and homemade bread pudding. Tomorrow we journey to Milton WV to Blenko Glass and onto Berea KY.